Fact Check: Russia started the war in ukraine

Fact Check: "Russia started the war in Ukraine"

What We Know

The claim that "Russia started the war in Ukraine" is substantiated by a series of events that began in 2014 and escalated significantly in 2022. The Russo-Ukrainian War officially began in February 2014, following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, which led to the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. In the wake of this political upheaval, Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, leading to ongoing conflict. This initial phase of the war included the occupation of Crimea and the establishment of Russian-backed paramilitary forces in Eastern Ukraine.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. This invasion was characterized by widespread military actions across Ukraine and has been described as the largest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II (source-4). The motivations behind Russia's actions have been linked to a desire to assert control over Ukraine and prevent its integration into Western alliances such as NATO (source-1).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that Russia initiated the conflict in Ukraine is robust and well-documented across multiple reputable sources. The Institute for National Strategic Studies outlines how Russian President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric and actions have consistently undermined Ukrainian sovereignty, framing the conflict as a struggle against perceived Western encroachment and asserting a historical narrative that denies the legitimacy of Ukrainian identity.

The Wikipedia entry on the Russo-Ukrainian War provides a timeline of events that clearly delineates Russia's actions, starting with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and culminating in the full-scale invasion in 2022. This timeline is corroborated by various news outlets, including Reuters and The New York Times, which detail the military buildup and the sequence of events leading to the invasion.

While some narratives may attempt to portray the conflict as a response to Western provocations, the overwhelming consensus among historians and political analysts is that Russia's aggressive actions were premeditated and aimed at reasserting its influence over Ukraine, a former Soviet republic. The Britannica also emphasizes that the conflict's origins are rooted in Russia's strategic interests rather than a defensive posture against NATO.

Conclusion

The claim that "Russia started the war in Ukraine" is True. The evidence indicates that Russia's actions, beginning with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalating to a full-scale invasion in 2022, constitute a clear initiation of hostilities against Ukraine. The motivations behind these actions are tied to a broader strategy of asserting control and influence over Ukraine, dismissing its sovereignty and identity.